BLUEBONE
Live @ Cape May (self released)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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One of the great things about this writing gig is hearing music from folks I'd otherwise never hear of. This disc, by a quartet of journeyman musicians (they boast 120 years of performing history between them) from the Jersey shore, is a case in point.

I'd never heard of Bluebone, and since their stomping grounds is about as far as you can get from mine and still be in the same country, it's not likely I ever would have, but I'm real glad they found me so that I got to hear them. It gives me a chance to heartily recommend that you find them so that you can hear them too (it's not that hard - they're right over there at www.bluebone.net).

Bluebone is a bar band, but it's a bar band in the highest and most complimentary sense of the term. They feature high energy rockin' blues built around a twin guitar attack with a stone solid rhythm section. Guitarist/vocalists Jay Bethel and Dan McPheeters split songwriting chores on the seven originals included here, and their music is all about keeping the party going all night. Drummer Andy Vernon is the guy that Albert Collins would call to keep time when he was in town, which is resume enough for anyone, but his is longer than that and his work here shows why. Bassist Steve Smith favors a fretless instrument, and uses it to slip, slide and astound his way through the set.

They've got great taste in covers, too, pulling from the books of Jimi Hendrix, ZZ Top, Huey Lewis and (something of a surprise) Steve Forbert, paying tribute to the originals in their arrangements while putting their own distinctive stamp on the music.

As you may have gathered by now, I just love the hell out of this album, and if you have any interest in good ol' bar blues played by guys who've paid their dues, you will too.

Track List:

ABC's * Clown For You * Red House * Hey Baby * Bad Is Bad * Every Day You'll Remember * La Grange * Cookin' In The Kitchen * Don't Talk To Me * Bad Dog * Christine

© 2004 - Shaun Dale